Chinese Battery Maker Cornex Wins 11.5 GWh Energy Storage Orders from Saudi Arabia and Egypt

Feb. 4, 2026 — Cornex New Energy, a leading Chinese battery manufacturer, has secured major energy storage contracts totaling 11.5 GWh with partners in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, underscoring growing demand for grid-scale storage in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Marija Maisch shared on pv magazine. [1]

Image source: ne-time.cn, On February 3, Chune New Energy, Al Rajhi Electrical, and Shanghai Yidiantong (GREENGRID) signed a strategic cooperation agreement on energy storage in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Under a strategic cooperation agreement signed on February 3 in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Cornex will supply 5.5 GWh of lithium-ion energy storage systems to Al Rajhi Electrical, marking its first Chinese partnership in the Kingdom’s energy storage sector. The deal includes technical support and plans for localized manufacturing, with Shanghai Greengrid facilitating deployment and supply chain coordination.

Separately, Cornex agreed on January 16 to deliver 6 GWh of battery products for grid projects in Egypt through cooperation with local implementation partner WeaCan and industrial manufacturer Kemet, helping support Egypt’s expanding power system.

These agreements reflect broader regional trends. The MENA region’s renewable energy market is rapidly expanding, with solar and storage projects growing as countries diversify energy portfolios away from fossil fuels. An industry report estimated solar capacity in the region increased about 25 % in 2024, with Saudi Arabia and Egypt among key contributors, and a growing need for battery energy storage to balance intermittent generation.[2]

For Saudi Arabia, Cornex’s engagement aligns with Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s long-term strategy to reduce dependence on oil, grow clean energy, and attract foreign investment. Vision 2030 targets a diversified energy mix—with renewables and storage technologies critical to enabling large-scale solar and wind integration while enhancing grid resiliency.

In Egypt, where ambitious renewable targets seek to increase clean power share and strengthen local manufacturing, Cornex’s order forms part of a broader renewable industrial footprint. Chinese firms are collaborating with Egyptian partners to build solar cell and battery production facilities, aimed at accelerating decarbonization and fostering local energy supply chains.[3]

Early on Jan. 26, 2026, industry observers say these developments could also spur deeper China–Middle East energy cooperation, fostering technology transfer, joint ventures, and investment in localized clean energy infrastructure [4]. As both Saudi Arabia and Egypt pursue net-zero goals, partnerships with Chinese energy firms may catalyze private sector participation and regional manufacturing capacity.

References

[1]Marija M. 2026, "Cornex secures 11.5 GWh of orders from Saudi Arabia, Egypt", <https://www.ess-news.com/2026/02/04/cornex-secures-11-5-gwh-of-orders-from-saudi-arabia-egypt/>

[2]Reddit 2026, <https://www.reddit.com/r/OptimistsUnite/comments/1i58msy/middle_east_and_north_africa_region_solar_grows/>

[3]Indexbox 2026, "Egypt Forges Renewable Energy Manufacturing Hub with Chinese Firms" https://www.indexbox.io/blog/egypt-forges-renewable-energy-manufacturing-hub-with-chinese-firms

[4]Chuchu Z. 2026, "The China-Gulf Green Rush: Fueling Renewable Energy Cooperation

", <https://mecouncil.org/publication/the-china-gulf-green-rush-fueling-renewable-energy-cooperation/>